When you refer to a pair of gray jeans as pewter, you know what week it is.

Fashion Week, are you there? It’s me, White. I’ve caught glimpses of you, flitting about Philadelphia, always daring me to question you. You’re living here now. You act like you just threw on what you’re wearing. But I know things have changed. This year, you’re giving it.

My editor will swirl around in his cracked leather chair, toes skimming the air in non-belief. “You say you saw a woman of 5’11, in a Leifsdottir Silk Peasant Dress? Here?”

Do not pretend to be shocked, sir. Finally, Spring 2010 collections in October. Shows you can actually get into. Philadelphia Fashion Week is a young thing, open to possibility. Taking over the 23rd Street Armory from October 8-10, it’s sponsored by an eclectic assortment of souls, from Wilhemina Models of PA (headquartered in…Harrisburg?), the Inky, and Wired 96.5, all the way to Matthew Izzo, DesignPhiladelphia, and shit, everyone’s here! The three-day fête showcases student designers and spotlights streetwear and couture from both local and national designers, followed by live music each night.

We are going to make this Philadelphia Fashion Week thing a welcome, spirit-lifting garment in our closet.

After all, we got a Barneys Co-op this year. Sa Va Boutique proved that functional fashion could be made in Center City. Reward‘s men’s section makes me want to swap genders. It’s a start.

After the jump, Ms. White does go on.

Before I send you off into the wonder of it all, a few key accessories:

What is a pop-up boutique? Philadelphia Fashion Week will feature 12 pop-ups daily. The pop-up retail shop is a temporary store that opens up in a vacant spot, often unannounced. The boutique will sell a specialty line from a flagship retailer or collaborative designs of limited quantity, for a few weeks before the store disappears. These are generally publicity stunts to generate sales at the flagship. PFW’s boutiques open at 4 p.m. and will sell looks from the runway, among other items.

Who is this David Evangelista character? Why, okay. Evangelista is an expert hair stylist and Emmy-nominated salon owner (Rosie O’Donnell, Martha Stewart, Paula Deen). I know what that sounds like, but Emmy > television personality resume. He practically invented the term “product.” The camera loves this man, and he has the predictable mile-a-minute guarana personality to command it. He will keep the models awake.

Should you go? Yes, at least for one night. Grab some tickets at www.philadelphiafashionweek.org. Cut off work early, because doors open at 4 and the 4 p.m. cocktail that is free and handed to you by a person wearing too much eye junk before sunset is better than the cocktail at 5 p.m.

If you have to wear over-the-knee boots to this, fine, but it’s still too toasty for that. You’re asking for leg sweat and you still read magazines.

Tonight’s Shopping List:

· Do not miss Wrath Arcane (shown at right). They have some of the most intricate collarwork you will see all season. Contemporary pre-gentrified street threads, perfect for that Kensington bar you’re trying to turn. Also does well in a pinch at the Hungarian BYO. I’m hoping their spring collection will be just as impressive. Found at Matthew Izzo.

· After scoping out Palmieri denim online, I have a hard time believing that these slacks can make stomachs and butts look attractive. Will the curious cut work on even the most lithe of the runway?

· I know nothing about Love Brigade. Their clothing appears to be wearable pajamas, or the kind of outfits that you wear around the house for your older, photographer boyfriend. You could argue with this kind of fashion, but there are some plumb damn cute bitches who will don this stuff and run off for last call, then go straight to bed after clearing out the good whiskey. I am less tolerant of their men’s garb. Compass rope necklaces? Angsty-sloganned tees? Keep it up, and those ladies with hot pajama harem jumpers will never let you come over again.

Black Landlord will headline. As in, stick around.

– Kelly White

Kelly White has returned to Philebrity as a special correspondent for Philadelphia Fashion Week. She’ll be posting daily. And for more on local fashion and retail, check out our Phashionista post category.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 11:46 am.